A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the
ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that
the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and
judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or
exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or
soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations
may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely,
and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for
details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it
should only be present in the right measure.

INTERIM (Breed Standard under review
until June 2009)

General AppearanceSlightly long in comparison to height; of powerful, well muscled build with
weather-resistant coat. Relation between height, length, position and structure
of fore and hindquarters (angulation) producing far-reaching, enduring gait.
Clear definition of masculinity and femininity essential, and working ability
never sacrificed for mere beauty.

EyesMedium-sized, almond-shaped, never protruding. Dark brown preferred, lighter
shade permissible, provided expression good and general harmony of head not
destroyed. Expression lively, intelligent and self-assured.

EarsMedium-sized, firm in texture, broad at base, set high, carried erect,
almost parallel, never pulled inwards or tipped, tapering to a point, open at
front. Never hanging. Folding back during movement permissible.

NeckFairly long, strong, with well developed muscles, free from throatiness.
Carried at 45 degrees angle to horizontal, raised when excited, lowered at fast
trot.

ForequartersShoulder blade and upper arms are equal in length, well muscled and firmly
attached to the body. Shoulder blades set obliquely (approximately 45 degrees)
laid flat to body. Upper arm strong, well muscled, joining shoulder blade at
approximately 90 degrees. Seen from all sides, the forearms are straight and,
seen from the front, absolutely parallel. Bone oval rather than round. The
elbows must turn neither in nor out while standing or moving. Pasterns firm,
supple, with a slight forward slope. An over long, weak pastern, which would
affect a dog's working ability is to be heavily penalised. Length of foreleg
slightly exceeds the depth of chest.

BodyLength measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock, slightly
exceeding height at withers. Correct ratio 10 to 9 or 8 and a half. Undersized
dogs, stunted growth, high-legged dogs, those too heavy or too light in build,
over-loaded fronts, too short overall appearance, any feature detracting from
reach or endurance of gait, undesirable. Chest deep (45-48 per cent) of height
at shoulder, not too broad, brisket long, well developed. Ribs well formed and
long; neither barrel-shaped nor too flat; allowing free movement of elbows when
gaiting. Relatively short loin. Belly firm, only slightly drawn up. Back between
withers and croup, straight, strongly developed, not too long. Overall length
achieved by correct angle of well laid shoulders, correct length of croup and
hindquarters. The topline runs without any visible break from the set on of the
neck, over the well defined withers, falling away slightly in a straight line to
the gently sloping croup. The back is firm, strong and well muscled. Loin
broad, strong, well muscled. Weak, soft and roach backs undesirable and should
be heavily penalised. Croup slightly sloping and without any break in the
topline, merges imperceptibly with the set on of the tail. Short, steep or flat
croups highly undesirable.

HindquartersOverall strong, broad and well muscled, enabling effortless forward
propulsion. Upper and lower thigh are approximately of equal length. Hind
angulation sufficient if imaginary line dropped from point of buttocks cuts
through lower thigh just in front of hock, continuing down slightly in front of
hindfeet. Angulations corresponding approximately with front angulation, without
over-angulation. See from rear, the hind legs are straight and parallel to each
other. The hocks are strong and firm. The rear pasterns are vertical. Any
tendency towards over-angulation of hindquarters, weak hocks, cow hocks or
sickle hooks, is to be heavily penalised as this reduces firmness and endurance
in movement.

FeetRounded toes well closed and arched. Pads well cushioned and durable. Nails
short, strong and dark in colour.

Gait/MovementSequence of step follows diagonal pattern, moving foreleg and opposite
hindleg forward simultaneously; hindfoot thrust forward to midpoint of body and
having equally long reach with forefeet without any noticeable change in
backline. Absolute soundness of movement essential.

CoatOuter coat consisting of straight, hard, close-lying hair as dense as
possible; thick undercoat. Hair on head, ears, front of legs, paws and toes
short; on back, longer and thicker; in some males forming slight ruff. Hair
longer on back of legs as far down as pasterns and stifles and forming fairly
thick trousers on hindquarters. No hard and fast rule for length of hair;
mole-type coats undesirable.

ColourBlack or black saddle with tan, or gold to light grey markings. All black,
all grey, with lighter or brown markings referred to as Sables. Nose black.
Light markings on chest or very pale colour on inside of legs permissible but
undesirable, as are whitish nails, red-tipped tails or wishy-washy faded colours
defined as lacking in pigmentation. Blues, livers, albinos, whites (i.e. almost
pure white dogs with black noses) and near whites highly undesirable. Undercoat,
except in all black dogs, usually grey or fawn. Colour in itself is of secondary
importance having no effect on character or fitness for work. Final colour of a
young dog only ascertained when outer coat has developed.

FaultsAny departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the
seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact
proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

NoteMale animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended
into the scrotum.